
If you have not yet made your 2024 health resolutions, it’s not too late!
In fact, it’s never too late to make healthy changes for yourself. While eating habits play a huge role in our overall health, exercise and staying fit are key factors as well.
I’m not a big gym person—I’d much rather be outside on the trails—but I recently joined one anyway, to help balance my workout, especially with the yoga sessions that help me with stretching. I’ve learned that stretching is as important as exercising and working out. It all goes hand-in-hand and will help prevent injury. Unfortunately, I’ve learned the hard way.
Perhaps you’re the opposite—you have a gym membership, and you want to get outdoors and do more hiking this year. Or maybe you’re overcoming some health issues and need a helping hand. We’ve all either been there or know someone who has. In fact, I know two ladies who have worked very hard to overcome their own trials—and today, they’re great examples and inspirations for us all. I’m proud and honored (with their permission) to share their success stories
Julie Duran is a mother, a professional businesswoman and now a passionate fitness guru, She recently turned her life around and has lost more than 40 pounds in just more than a year after discovering a passion for health, wellness and fitness.
“I began abusing alcohol and drugs at the very young age of 14, and it was an addiction I battled with for 13 years,” Duran said. “With the desire to become a better mother, businesswoman and overall healthier version of myself, on Jan. 1, 2023, I made the life-changing decision to completely give up alcohol and drugs and lead a sober lifestyle.”
Duran said she had attempted this many times, but previously was able to maintain it. She found peace in weightlifting and discovering the mountain tops in the Coachella Valley. Today, she has been sober for more than a year—and she’s the leanest and strongest she has ever been.
“I discovered my purpose and passion was to help others in their recovery and fitness journeys,” she said. “I was no longer ashamed, but rather proud that I was able to escape the shackles of drugs and alcohol, and saw that being open about my recovery has influenced many of my peers. I am proud that I was able to build the courage to overcome some of my toughest battles and develop an unshakeable discipline that has fostered the best version of me.”
Today, Duran is working toward her personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Jennifer Braun was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease a few years back; she learned that she had to make many adjustments in her diet and her life to deal with everyday life—which included working tirelessly and raising her three children.
I remember when she started working out at the gym, after getting her diet in order. She then regularly started walking the Palm Springs Tram Road—I like to call this the best workout in Palm Springs—in the early mornings before work. Through perseverance and dedication, Braun now travels all over the place doing Spartan obstacle races (which are no joke!) and exploring tough adventurous hikes. Amazing!

Here in the desert, Braun’s favorite trail is Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon, in Mecca.
“It is beautiful!” she said. “I love how it goes from sand and desert to rocks winding through what can only be described as God’s masterpiece, as the natural curvature is perfect.”
I agree: It truly is one of the most majestic, off-the-beaten-path, adventurous trails in our area. It’s more than a hike; it’s a total workout!
My hiking buddy, Texie Pastorok, and I recently joined Jennifer and Julie on the hike/workout. It was Texie’s first time on the trail—and she was totally amazed! It’s a favorite of Julie’s as well.
The Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail hike is a moderate, 4.5-mile loop trail located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, about 15 miles east of Indio. To reach the trailhead, it’s a rough and slow five-mile drive on the unpaved, sandy Painted Canyon Road, which is just off of Box Canyon Road, at the north end of the Salton Sea. Follow it to the end, and you will see the parking area.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and it’s not for everyone, as there are many ladders (some 12 feet tall) placed alongside the slot canyon walls—and you’ll need to use them to climb out, unless you turn around and go back. From the parking area, you will see the trail board. From there, continue into the canyon for maybe a half-mile or so, until you see a giant rock arrow directing you to the left, where you will find the first ladder. This route will take you in the clockwise direction (recommended), where you will climb up, not down, the ladders.

After climbing the last ladder, you will hike your way to the top of the ridge—where you will have the most spectacular panoramic views of the valley, including the Salton Sea and beyond to the south, and as far as Mount San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountain to the west. You then continue hiking along the ridge for a while before making a sharp left to drop down into the wash for a long walk in thick, soft sand. Eventually, you will come to a rope that leads you down into another canyon, where you will find the last ladder—the only one you go down in this direction—before heading back to the starting point.
Painted Canyon Road and Box Canyon Road can be closed seasonally due to weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check the Friends of the Desert Mountains trails-status page (www.desertmountains.org/open-trails) before planning your hike.
Upcoming events
Join me on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for Friends of the Desert Mountains Wildflower 5k. It’s the only 5k trail fun run-walk-hike on natural desert land in Coachella Valley that celebrates wildflowers, wellness and desert wildlands. The 5k starts at the Randall Henderson Trail, located just off Highway 74, on the left side as you’re leaving Palm Desert. All ages are welcome, but no dogs or strollers are allowed on the trail. The entrance fee is $35 per person and includes a T-shirt. Register today, and get information at www.desertmountains.org/calendar/wf5k-2-2024.
Save the date! On Saturday, March 2, the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival takes place at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. Get more details, including sponsor/vendor information, at www.desertmountains.org/cvwf24.
Hiking With T: Here’s a Trail Workout That Will Transform Your Outlook on Hiking—While Getting You Into Shape is a story from Coachella Valley Independent, the Coachella Valley’s alternative news source.